Community Corner

🌱 Could a Sanibel-linked student earn this ‘Ding’ Darling conservation scholarship?

You won't want to miss Sanibel Hearts on the Sanibel Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hello Sanibel! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could a Sanibel-linked student earn this ‘Ding’ Darling conservation scholarship?
  • How many new rooms are coming back online on Sanibel’s beaches?
  • How two muddy owls made a comeback at Sanibel’s CROW clinic

Also on today's calendar: Caloosa Comedy Nights with Headliner Brad Pierce and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Sanibelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Sanibelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 74 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 74, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 76 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Conservation Scholarship Application Process Is Open (santivachronicle.com) — Students connected to Southwest Florida, including Sanibel, can now apply for environmental scholarships from the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society, with awards from $1,000 to $5,000 and a deadline of Feb. 28, 2026. Recipients will be honored at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island in May 2026. Local families and donors can also explore creating named scholarships to support conservation studies.
   

2. SWFL adding more hotels and resorts, but can they all be filled? (naplesnews.com) — Sanibel residents will see more visitors as Shalimar Beach Resort and Sundial Resort reopen with upgraded amenities, and Beachview Villas moves toward a 2026 debut. The story tracks a broader hotel boom from Sanibel and Captiva to Naples and Fort Myers, raising questions about whether demand can keep pace with all the new and rebuilt rooms after Hurricane Ian.
   

3. Two Great Horned Owls Rescued From Construction Site (santivachronicle.com) — Two great horned owls recently treated at Sanibel’s CROW clinic are recovering well after being rescued from a muddy construction site with bruises, irritation, and possible infection. One owl has already been released, while the other continues antibiotics and nasal flushes. The case highlights how local habitat loss and human activity threaten raptors and how residents can help protect area wildlife.
   

4. Downtown Fort Myers farmers market returns to boost culinary district (fox4now.com) — A new Saturday farmers market is set to open in downtown Fort Myers by mid-January, run by Local Roots LLC, which already operates a market on Sanibel. City officials expect the expanded network of markets, including Sanibel’s, to draw thousands of shoppers and boost nearby restaurants and shops across Lee County.
   

5. Looking ahead: Outlook sunnier for SWFL's tourism industry in 2026 (naplesnews.com) — Sanibel and Captiva are adding more than 325 refreshed resort rooms, helping drive a more optimistic tourism outlook for 2026 after years of hurricane setbacks. Local tourism leaders say improved air service, stronger domestic travel, and continued recovery from Ian should boost visitor numbers, even as international travel and politics remain headwinds.
   

📸 Around Sanibel

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Sanibel

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★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • Sanibel Hearts
    2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
    6:00 pm

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Other local events

📣 Sanibel Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just a friendly reminder.
    If someone on this site, or any other, wants you to go to Whats App there’s a good chance its a scam. (Nextdoor Central Sanibel)
  • Columbus Hospitality posted a job opening for Outlet Cashier in Sanibel. Apply here.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs posted a job opening for Advanced Medical Support Assistant in Cape Coral. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sanibel here.

Ok Sanibel! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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